Why is Atticus defending Tom Robinson?

I, Atticus Finch, have decided to defend Tom Robinson against the beliefs of white southern culture. I realize in doing so that I am jumping out of the lines in which the white community has drawn so easily. They have put themselves in these lines to separate themselves from colored people in a way that makes them at a higher standard.
I am defending Tom Robinson because I believe him to be an innocent man, he has the right to a fair trial even if he is colored, and he deserves justice. In taking this case, many people have changed their perspectives of me just because I am defending a colored man. Tom Robinson is a noble field hand. He has no reason for harm towards Mayella.
I truly believe that his innocence is real. He is kind and helpful, even brave enough to continuously help Mayella on his walks home from work. Tom was not carrying out favors for Mayella for money, but just out of the kindness he possesses. Yet, this town sees Tom as a rapist because of his skin color.

If this man was white, you would be able to understand and actually hear what I am saying about an innocent man. You cannot get passed his appearance to see his heart. I am able to see pass his color and find his person underneath his skin. I am choosing to step out of the lines because Tom Robinson did not rape Mayella Ewell.
Tom Robinson has the right to have someone defend him who believes in him. I took this case because I want to defend him to my best ability. Every man has the right to a fair trial. No matter race or color. Bob Ewell can judge me for siding with a colored person. But I fight for justice, not for a so called “superior” race. This man should be innocent until proven guilty, not guilty until proven innocent. People put these perceptions that whites are superior to colored people just because there white.
That is not a way people should view other people. Tom deserves a fair trial. Mayella tells this lie in court, why? She feels that because he is colored she will be able to blame him. Although Tom Robinson is colored he has the right to justice as much as a white man. He shouldn’t be blamed for an act that he didn’t commit because of the color of his skin.
I want justice for this man. Notice how he is just a man. He isn’t defined as a colored man in my eyes as he is to the white community. Tom Robinson is a man who is innocent and justice deserves to be given to this man, this human being. Many townspeople may not understand why I stand by a colored man, but I stand for justice even if that means stepping outside the lines that this white community has drawn around themselves.
White people need to step off the pedestal that they have given to themselves and realize everyone deserves justice. Although people may not understand why I defend Tom Robinson, I choose to do because he deserves justice. No matter his skin color, he is a man who is innocent. I may have broken rules in the eyes of the white community, but I stand for justice and Tom is innocent. My actions are my own and I don’t let racism waiver my beliefs. Colored or white, justice is a right to all.